Today we will focus on the topic of gestational diabetes, which is unfortunately relatively widespread. An elevated blood sugar level can have negative consequences for you and your baby, so it is important to detect and treat it as early as possible. But don’t worry, with a little care and caution you can counteract gestational diabetes.
How do I recognize gestational diabetes?
Unlike “normal” diabetes, gestational diabetes is asymptomatic and does not cause any symptoms. It is therefore essential to carry out regular blood glucose tests!
The following factors increase the risk of developing the disease :
- Obesity
- Several miscarriages
- Own birth weight higher than 4,000 grams
- Case of diabetes in family
- …
Is gestational diabetes dangerous?
Actually, it can have negative consequences for you and your little one. It can cause new health problems (see next question). If is not treated in time, in the worst case it can disturb the growth of the fetus and it can cause complications during birth.
What exactly are the risks für pregnant women and the baby?
- The baby reacts with increased insulin production and builds up sugar in the form of fat, making birth more difficult
- More frequent infections
- pre-eclampsia (pregnancy poisoning)
- premature rupture of membranes
- High blood pressure
- …
What can I do to prevent gestational diabetes?
Getting enough exercise lowers your risk of developing the disease and gets your metabolism going, helping to reduce blood sugar levels. Likewise, a balanced diet helps. A low-calorie, high-fiber diet lowers the risk of SD by 60%.
When to take which vitamins during pregnancy?
Folate is already particularly important from day one of pregnancy. The vitamin, which is necessary for the development of nerves, contributes significantly to the healthy physical and mental development of the child.
Which supplements should I take during pregnancy?
In order for your baby to develop optimally, it is generally recommended to take 400 µg of folate and 100-150 µg of iodine per day through food supplements. Even if you already want to have a baby but are not yet pregnant, it is advisable to take 400 μg of folic acid daily. This is the best way to create the right conditions.
Can I prevent gestational diabetes through exercise
In fact, sufficient exercise helps to counteract gestational diabetes. Studies have shown that the risk of developing the disease was significantly lower when pregnant women followed an exercise program. Through regular exercise and training, you get your metabolism going and lower blood sugar levels.
My tip: Be sure to follow a regular mommy workout schedule that will keep you fit during pregnancy. If you can’t find time for a workout, no problem! Just incorporate small exercise sessions into your daily routine. For example, if you’re taking the subway to your appointment, get off two stops early and take a walk in the fresh air. Take the stairs, not the elevator.
Overweight women are particularly susceptible to gestational diabetes, so an active lifestyle and balanced diet is definitely important during pregnancy. This will not only help you gain weight at a healthy rate, but also lower the risk of typical pregnancy diseases.
Does a healthy diet help against gestational diabetes?
A balanced and healthy diet during pregnancy helps to reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Here it is recommended to eat less simple carbohydrates, because these increase the blood sugar, and to pay attention to sufficient fiber consumption.
My tip: with a fitness program adapted to your pregnancy, a healthy diet and the usual blood sugar tests at the gynecologist, you are on the safe side! Even if gestational diabetes should be present, you can react quickly.
Even if your MOVE IT MAMA fitness program can’t protect you 100% from gestational diabetes, you are much less likely to get it. Combine it with a balanced and healthy diet and your body and your baby will definitely thank you.
Keep it Moving,
Your Birte
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